Control method for household appliance and household appliance

Abstract

According to the control method for the household appliance and the household appliance, proximity induction type keys of the household appliance are combined according to a set structure, and in each key combination, all the single proximity induction type keys keep the single trigger function of the single proximity induction type keys; and the control function can be adaptively changed based on different operations of the user: when the user independently triggers the key, the single-trigger function of the key is executed, and when the user performs gesture control, one set key combination is configured into one gesture key, and the gesture control function is executed. Based on the design of the invention, the household appliance can reduce the number of keys on the basis of the existing key design number, or when the household appliance is newly added with a function, the function control can be realized without adding a new control key, the design complexity is reduced, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the user experience is improved at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of home appliance technology, specifically, it relates to a control method for home appliances and home appliances. Background Technology

[0002] The operating interfaces of smart electronic devices, such as smart home appliances, mobile phones, computers, and tablets, are mostly implemented by touch. In particular, for control-type smart home appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, traditional physical mechanical buttons have been largely replaced by touch buttons to achieve function selection, parameter setting, mode control, etc.

[0003] With the development of intelligent technology, the number of touch buttons has increased to accommodate more functions. Users need to select the appropriate touch button from multiple touch buttons to select functions, set parameters, control modes, etc., according to their actual needs. This increases the design complexity and manufacturing cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the problem that existing touch buttons increase the design complexity and manufacturing cost of devices as functions are added. It proposes a control method and device for home appliances, which combines existing proximity-sensitive buttons and achieves different controls through touch and non-contact gestures, thus reducing the number of buttons without reducing the control capabilities of the entire device.

[0005] The present invention is implemented using the following technical solutions: A control method for home appliances is proposed, wherein the home appliances are equipped with a control panel, the control panel has multiple proximity-sensitive buttons, and each proximity-sensitive button is configured as a single-trigger button; the method includes: Configure at least two adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as the set button combination; When at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold but lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons is turned off, and the set button combination is configured as a gesture button. When a single button in the combination generates a proximity signal with an amplitude exceeding the single-trigger threshold, the single-trigger function of all buttons in the set button combination is retained.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: The control method for home appliances proposed in this invention configures at least two adjacent proximity sensing buttons on the control panel of the home appliance as a set button combination. When at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons is turned off, and the set button combination is configured as a gesture button. When there is only one button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons in the set button combination is retained. In the configured key combination of this invention, each proximity-sensitive key has its own single-trigger function. When a user selectively triggers a single key in the combination, the triggered proximity-sensitive key is the only key in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single-trigger threshold. In this case, the key's original single-trigger function is retained. When the user performs gesture control based on the key combination, if the user's entire hand approaches but does not touch the key combination, most or all keys in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with an amplitude higher than the combination trigger threshold but lower than the single-trigger threshold. In this case, the single-trigger function of all keys in the combination is disabled, and the combination is configured... By designing a gesture button, users can perform a control action with a wave of their hand without having to extend their fingers to trigger a specific button. Therefore, through the design of this invention, several gesture buttons can be combined with the existing single-trigger buttons of the device. For additional device functions, there is no need to add corresponding control buttons. It is only necessary to combine the existing buttons with the user's non-contact control. This not only reduces the design complexity and manufacturing cost, but also eliminates the need for users to search for corresponding buttons among many buttons. After a simple learning process, users can achieve the corresponding operation through a non-contact gesture, which improves the user's sense of control and user experience.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, after configuring the set button combination as gesture buttons, the method further includes: Increase the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons within a set button combination from the single-touch detection frequency to the combined detection frequency; wherein, the single-touch detection frequency is the detection frequency when the proximity-sensitive button is configured as a single-touch button.

[0008] In this embodiment, when a set button combination is configured as a gesture button, the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons in the combination is increased from the single-touch detection frequency to the combined detection frequency. This combined detection frequency is higher than the single-touch detection frequency. That is, when the set button combination is switched to a gesture button, the detection frequency of all buttons in the combination is immediately increased. With the use of a high-performance filter, the change in proximity sensing signal can be sensed even when the hand is close to the set button combination. Therefore, the best gesture recognition effect for the button combination can be obtained by adjusting the detection frequency.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, after configuring the set button combination as gesture buttons, the method further includes: Within a preset time window, detect the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the detection group; The control function of the gesture buttons is determined based on the changes in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button.

[0010] In this embodiment, when the set button combination is configured as a gesture button, the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the group are detected within a preset time window, and the changes in the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal are judged. Based on the changes in amplitude, a single gesture button can generate multiple different controls, thus expanding the function of the gesture button.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control function of the gesture button is determined based on the change in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signal generated by each proximity sensing button, specifically including: If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal remains unchanged within a preset time window, the gesture button is confirmed to generate the first control function. If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal gradually increases or decreases in a set order within a preset time window, the gesture button will generate a second control function.

[0012] In this embodiment, a single gesture button generates two different controls based on the change in amplitude, thereby expanding the functionality of the gesture button: When the user's hand rests above the set button combination, the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity-sensitive button within the combination remains unchanged within a preset time window. Under this characteristic, the user performs gesture control of the first control function, such as confirming a washing program with pre-set parameters. When the user's hand moves across the set button combination, the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity-sensitive button within the combination gradually increases or decreases in a set order within a preset time window. Under this characteristic, the user performs gesture control of the second control function, such as increasing the washing time or decreasing the amount of detergent.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the set button combination is configured as a gesture button, the method further includes: Monitor whether there are multiple button combinations configured as gesture buttons; If present, multiple gesture buttons configured by multiple set buttons will be sequentially combined into a single control button.

[0014] In this embodiment, it is monitored whether two or more gesture buttons are configured. If so, these gesture buttons are sequentially combined into a single control button. For example, when the user's hand successively swipes across the first set button combination and the second set button combination, the first gesture button configured in the first set button combination and the second gesture button configured in the second set button combination are combined into a single control button. For example, the first gesture button is used to confirm the execution of a washing mode, and the second gesture button is used to confirm the execution of a drying program. By combining the first gesture button and the second gesture button, the washing and drying programs are continuously started with a single waving gesture.

[0015] A home appliance is proposed, equipped with a control panel having multiple proximity-sensitive buttons, each configured as a single-trigger button; it also includes: A configuration unit is used to configure at least two adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as a first set button combination; The detection unit is used to detect the proximity sensing signals generated by all proximity sensing buttons within the first set button combination; The button function switching unit is used to: when at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, disable the single trigger function of all buttons and configure the first set button combination as the first gesture button; when there is only one button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, retain the single trigger function of all buttons in the first set button combination.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: For the home appliance proposed in this invention, for multiple proximity sensing buttons on the control panel, at least two adjacent proximity sensing buttons are configured as a set button combination. When at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons is turned off, and the set button combination is configured as a gesture button. When there is only one button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons in the set button combination is retained. In the button combination configured in this invention, each proximity-sensitive button has its own single-trigger function. When a user selectively triggers a single button in the combination, the triggered proximity-sensitive button is the only button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single-trigger threshold. In this case, the button's original single-trigger function is retained. When the user performs gesture control based on the button combination, if the user's entire hand approaches the button combination without touching it, most or all buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with an amplitude higher than the combination trigger threshold but lower than the single-trigger threshold. In this case, the single-trigger function of all buttons in the combination is disabled, and the combination is configured as a single gesture button. For the many functions of the device, a single gesture control can be achieved by combining existing button combinations with the user's non-contact control, thereby reducing button design, lowering design complexity and manufacturing costs, and improving the user's sense of control and user experience.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the device further includes: The button detection frequency switching unit is used to increase the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons in the first set button combination from the single-touch detection frequency to the combined detection frequency after configuring the first set button combination as the first gesture button; wherein, the single-touch detection frequency is the detection frequency when the proximity-sensitive button is configured as a single-trigger button.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the device further includes: The button function association unit is used to detect the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the group within a first preset time window after configuring the first set button combination as the first gesture button; and to determine the control function of the first gesture button based on the change in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the button function association unit determines the control function of the first gesture button by the following steps: If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal remains unchanged within the first preset time window, it is determined that the first gesture button generates the first control function; If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal gradually increases or decreases in a set order within the first preset time window, the first gesture button is determined to generate the second control function.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the device further includes: The control unit is used to monitor whether there are any set button combinations configured as gesture buttons; if so, it sequentially concatenates multiple gesture buttons configured by multiple set button combinations into a single control button.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the control method for home appliances proposed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combination configuration of proximity-sensitive buttons in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the combination configuration of proximity-sensitive buttons in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Control steps of the embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the combination configuration of proximity-sensitive buttons in the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Control steps of the embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the functional structure of a home appliance as given in the third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0028] The control method for home appliances proposed in this invention aims to create multiple gesture buttons by combining existing proximity-sensitive buttons on home appliances. This allows individual buttons to be triggered for touch control, as well as gesture control based on combinations. For existing functions of home appliances, the number of buttons can be reduced through button combinations. For new functions of home appliances, button combinations can be used without adding new buttons, thereby reducing design complexity and manufacturing costs.

[0029] The household appliances of the present invention, such as washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryer combos, are equipped with a control panel on the machine body. The control panel is equipped with multiple proximity-sensitive buttons, each of which is configured as a single-trigger button.

[0030] The core principle of proximity-sensitive buttons is to use sensors to detect changes in the physical field caused by the approach of a target (finger). For example, capacitive buttons utilize the capacitance change caused by the human body as a conductor. An electrostatic field is formed between the sensor electrodes and ground. When a finger approaches, the capacitance of the human body and the capacitance of the sensor electrodes are connected in parallel, causing the total capacitance value to increase. The detection unit continuously measures this capacitance change at a set detection frequency. When the change exceeds a set threshold, it is determined to be a proximity. For example, infrared buttons consist of an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver. When a finger approaches, it reflects the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitter. The infrared receiver detects the change in light intensity of the reflected infrared light and detects the proximity of the object by receiving the light intensity. Another example is ultrasonic buttons, which emit ultrasonic pulses and receive the echo reflected from the target object (finger). By calculating the time difference between emission and reception, the distance between the target object and the button is calculated. When the calculated distance is less than a preset value, it is determined that the finger is approaching.

[0031] Combining the aforementioned existing technologies, such as Figure 1 As shown, the control method for household appliances proposed in this invention includes: S1: Configure at least two adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as a set button combination.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, taking a washing machine as an example, its control panel has multiple proximity-sensitive buttons K1, K2, ..., K8 arranged in a matrix structure. In this embodiment, K1, K2, K3 and K4 are configured as a setting button combination, and K5, K6, K7 and K8 are configured as a setting button combination.

[0033] For each configured gesture button, configure its corresponding control function. For example, for the gesture button composed of K1, K2, K3 and K4, configure its corresponding control function as confirm execution, and for the gesture button composed of K5, K6, K7 and K8, configure its corresponding control function as stop execution.

[0034] S2: When at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold but lower than the single trigger threshold, disable the single trigger function of all buttons and configure the set button combination as a gesture button.

[0035] If a user performs gesture control, such as to confirm the execution of currently set parameters, modes, or other functions, and the user's hand approaches the gesture buttons composed of K1, K2, K3, and K4 (e.g., at a distance of 2-3 cm), most (three out of four) or all of the buttons in the K1, K2, K3, and K4 combination will generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold but lower than the single trigger threshold. In this case, the button function switching unit will immediately disable the single trigger function of all buttons in the combination and configure the set button combination as a single gesture button.

[0036] In single-trigger control, the user will specifically tap a proximity-sensitive button (e.g., tap button K2). In gesture control, the user's hand hovers over the designated combination button area (without touching it), and most or all of the buttons in the combination generate proximity signals. The strength of this non-contact proximity signal is significantly lower than the signal strength generated after a single button press. Therefore, the combination trigger threshold is significantly lower than the single trigger threshold. In actual design, the combination trigger threshold and single trigger threshold are set based on empirical or statistical values ​​according to actual needs.

[0037] S3: When a single button in the combination generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons in the set button combination is retained.

[0038] As described in step S2, if the user performs a single-trigger function, the user will make a targeted contact with the proximity sensing button. In a set button combination, the intensity (amplitude) of the proximity sensing signal generated by the target proximity sensing button will be significantly higher than the intensity of the proximity sensing signal generated by other buttons in the combination. In this case, the button function switching unit retains the original single-trigger function of the button.

[0039] Through the control method of this invention, proximity-sensitive buttons in home appliances are combined according to a set structure. In each button combination, all individual proximity-sensitive buttons retain their own single-trigger function and can adaptively change the control function based on different user operations: when the user triggers a button individually, the single-trigger function is executed; when the user uses gesture control, a combination is configured as a gesture button to execute the gesture control function. Based on the design of this invention, the number of buttons in home appliances can be reduced from the existing button design, or when new functions are added to the home appliance, the function can be operated without adding new control buttons, reducing design complexity and manufacturing costs.

[0040] The implementation of the control method of the present invention in household appliances will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0041] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine is used as an example of a household appliance. Figure 3 As shown and Figure 4 As shown, it includes: S41: Configure multiple adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons into a set button combination.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, among the existing proximity-sensitive buttons on the control panel, the four buttons K1, K2, K3 and K4 distributed in the first row are configured into a set button combination. That is, the system specifies that these four buttons will be combined into a gesture button when the gesture control conditions are met.

[0043] S42: Configure control functions for setting button combinations.

[0044] In this embodiment, assuming that the original single-trigger function of button K1 is washing mode selection, the original single-trigger function of button K2 is washing time increment / decrement, the original single-trigger function of button K3 is washing intensity setting, and the original single-trigger function of button K4 is detergent dosage setting, then when they are combined into a single gesture button, the function of the gesture button is configured as follows: after the single-trigger button settings are completed, the entire set of settings is confirmed and executed through gesture control.

[0045] S43: Each proximity-sensitive button acquires the detected proximity sensing signal at a single-touch detection frequency.

[0046] When home appliances are started, each proximity sensor button activates its single-touch function and detects user input according to the single-touch detection frequency.

[0047] S44: If a user triggers a single button in a combination to implement single-trigger function control, such that there is only one button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single-trigger threshold, then the function control of the triggered button is executed.

[0048] For example, a user can select a washing mode by pressing the K1 button once: each press switches to a different washing mode, and the mode stops when the target washing mode is selected; then, the following options are available: pressing the K2 button once to increase or decrease the washing time, pressing the K3 button once to increase or decrease the washing intensity, and pressing the K4 button once to adjust the amount of detergent.

[0049] When a user performs a single-trigger function, they will make a targeted contact with the proximity sensor button. In this set button combination, the intensity (amplitude) of the proximity sensing signal generated by the target proximity sensor button will be significantly higher than the intensity of the proximity sensing signal generated by other buttons in the combination. When buttons K1, K2, K3 and K4 are triggered, they will execute their original single-trigger control functions respectively: select washing mode, increase or decrease washing time, increase or decrease washing intensity, and adjust detergent dosage.

[0050] S45: When a user places their hand above the combination area and uses gesture control to make at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons is turned off, and the combination is configured as a gesture button.

[0051] After the user selects or sets the washing mode and washing parameters in a single-trigger manner, they can place their palm above the first row of button combination areas as a gesture control, and then move their palm close to the top of the button combination area to switch the button combination to a gesture button.

[0052] S46: Increase the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons within the combination from the single-touch detection frequency to the combination detection frequency.

[0053] The single-touch detection frequency is the detection frequency when the proximity sensor button is configured as a single-touch button. The combined detection frequency is higher than the single-touch detection frequency to improve the sensitivity of gesture sensing and thus improve the accuracy of gesture control.

[0054] S47: Within a preset time window, detect the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the detection group.

[0055] After the four buttons in the first row are configured as gesture buttons and the detection frequency of each button is increased, the proximity sensing signal generated by the buttons is received at a combined detection frequency.

[0056] S48: Determine the control function of the gesture button based on the change in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signal generated by each proximity sensing button.

[0057] For example, if the user's hand remains stationary above the combination button area, the amplitude of the proximity sensing signal generated by each proximity sensing button will not change within a preset time window (e.g., 100ms). In this case, the user is confirming the aforementioned settings for each single trigger button: performing the wash with the selected washing mode, the increased or decreased washing time, the increased or decreased washing intensity, and the adjusted detergent dosage.

[0058] For example, when a user's hand swipes over the area of ​​the combination keys, the amplitude of the proximity sensing signal generated by each proximity sensing key decreases or increases one by one within a preset time window, and the user cancels the aforementioned settings for each single trigger key.

[0059] S49: Execute the defined control function to restore the detection frequency of each proximity-sensitive button in the combination to the single-trigger detection frequency.

[0060] As mentioned above, during the execution of the confirmed washing program, the program can be stopped by gesture control, or parameters can be modified and then reconfirmed or resumed.

[0061] In the second embodiment of the present invention, a washer-dryer combo is used as an example of a household appliance. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes: S61: Configure multiple adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as two set button combinations.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, among the multiple proximity-sensitive buttons on the control panel, the three buttons on the left, K1, K2, and K3, are configured as the first set button combination, and the three buttons on the right, K4, K5, and K6, are configured as the second set button combination. That is, the system specifies that K1, K2, and K3 combine to form the first gesture button when the gesture control conditions are met, and that K4, K5, and K6 combine to form the second gesture button when the gesture control conditions are met.

[0063] S62: Configure control functions for the first and second set button combinations respectively.

[0064] In this embodiment, for example, the single-trigger control functions configured for buttons K1, K2, and K3 are: washing mode selection, washing time adjustment, and detergent dosage adjustment, respectively; the single-trigger control functions configured for buttons K4, K5, and K6 are: drying material selection, drying humidity adjustment, and drying temperature adjustment, respectively. When the first set button combination is a gesture button, its button function is configured as: starting the washing program with the mode and parameters configured for a single touch button; when the second set button combination is a gesture button, its button function is configured as: starting the drying program with the drying parameters configured for a single touch button.

[0065] S63: When a user triggers a single button in the first set button combination to implement single trigger function control, such that there is a unique button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, the function control of the triggered button is executed.

[0066] Users can select washing mode, increase or decrease washing time, and adjust detergent dosage by pressing the K1, K2, and K3 buttons.

[0067] S64: When a user places their hand above the first set button combination area and uses gesture control to make at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons in the combination is turned off, and the button combination is configured as the first gesture button.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first gesture button is configured to start the washing program using the mode and parameters of the single-touch button configuration within the combination.

[0069] S65: When a user triggers a single button in the second set button combination to implement single trigger function control, such that there is a unique button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, the function control of the triggered button is executed.

[0070] Users can select drying materials, set drying humidity, and adjust drying temperature by pressing the K4, K5, and K6 buttons.

[0071] S66: When a user places their hand above the second set button combination area and uses gesture control to make at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons in the combination is turned off, and the button combination is configured as the second gesture button.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the second set button combination is a gesture button, its button function is configured as follows: start the drying program with the drying parameters configured by a single touch button.

[0073] After the first and second gesture buttons are activated, the user can be notified that the gesture control is available by turning the button lights or the control panel backlight on or off.

[0074] S67: Two set button combinations configured as gesture buttons are detected. The two gesture buttons configured as these two set button combinations are sequentially concatenated into a single control button.

[0075] In this embodiment, it is monitored whether two or more gesture buttons are configured. If so, these gesture buttons are sequentially combined into a single control button. In this embodiment, the first gesture button and the second gesture button are sequentially combined into a "washing + drying" control button.

[0076] S68: When the user's hand moves across the first setting button combination and the second setting button combination in sequence, the amplitude of the proximity sensing signal detected by each proximity sensing button in the first setting button combination and the second setting button combination increases / decreases one by one, and the control function of the first gesture button and the second gesture button is executed continuously.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the user's hand moves across the first setting button combination and the second setting button combination in succession, the washing and drying programs are started continuously with a waving gesture. Thus, after the user selects and sets the washing and drying modes and parameters, the two functions are started to be executed continuously with a waving gesture.

[0078] A third embodiment of the present invention provides a household device for executing the control method of the above embodiments, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes: The control panel has multiple proximity-sensitive buttons, each configured as a single-trigger button.

[0079] A configuration unit is used to configure at least two adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as a first set button combination.

[0080] The detection unit is used to detect the proximity sensing signals generated by all proximity sensing buttons within the first set button combination.

[0081] The button function switching unit is used to: when at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, disable the single trigger function of all buttons and configure the first set button combination as the first gesture button; when there is only one button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, retain the single trigger function of all buttons in the first set button combination.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance further includes: The button detection frequency switching unit is used to increase the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons in the first set button combination from the single-touch detection frequency to the combined detection frequency after configuring the first set button combination as the first gesture button; wherein, the single-touch detection frequency is the detection frequency when the proximity-sensitive button is configured as a single-trigger button.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance further includes: The button function association unit is used to detect the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the group within a first preset time window after configuring the first set button combination as the first gesture button; and to determine the control function of the first gesture button based on the change in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the button function association unit determines the control function of the first gesture button by the following steps: if the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal remains unchanged within a first preset time window, the first gesture button is determined to generate a first control function; if the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal gradually increases or decreases in a set order within the first preset time window, the first gesture button is determined to generate a second control function.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance further includes: The control unit is used to monitor whether there are any set button combinations configured as gesture buttons; if so, it sequentially concatenates multiple gesture buttons configured by multiple set button combinations into a single control button.

[0086] The specific control methods for home appliances have been described in detail and will not be repeated here.

[0087] It should be noted that the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions, or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, such as splitting and combining the contents of the above embodiments to implement several safety control schemes, should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a home appliance, the home appliance being equipped with a control panel, the control panel being equipped with a plurality of proximity-sensitive buttons, each proximity-sensitive button being configured as a single-trigger button; Its features are, The method includes: Configure at least two adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as the set button combination; When at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold but lower than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons is turned off, and the set button combination is configured as a gesture button. When a single button in the combination generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, the single trigger function of all buttons in the set button combination is retained.

2. The control method for household appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, After configuring the set button combination as gesture buttons, the method further includes: Increase the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons within a set button combination from the single-touch detection frequency to the combined detection frequency; wherein, the single-touch detection frequency is the detection frequency when the proximity-sensitive button is configured as a single-touch button.

3. The control method for household appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, After configuring the set button combination as gesture buttons, the method further includes: Within a preset time window, detect the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the detection group; The control function of the gesture buttons is determined based on the changes in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button.

4. The control method for household appliances according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control function of the gesture buttons is determined based on the changes in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button, specifically including: If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal remains unchanged within a preset time window, the gesture button is confirmed to generate the first control function. If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal gradually increases or decreases in a set order within a preset time window, the gesture button will generate a second control function.

5. The control method for household appliances according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, After the key combination is configured as a gesture key, the method further includes: Monitor whether there are multiple button combinations configured as gesture buttons; If present, multiple gesture buttons configured by multiple set buttons will be sequentially combined into a single control button.

6. A household appliance equipped with a control panel, wherein the control panel is provided with a plurality of proximity-sensitive buttons, each proximity-sensitive button being configured as a single-trigger button; Its features are, Also includes: A configuration unit is used to configure at least two adjacent proximity-sensitive buttons as a first set button combination; The detection unit is used to detect the proximity sensing signals generated by all proximity sensing buttons within the first set button combination; The button function switching unit is used to: when at least a set number of buttons in the combination generate proximity sensing signals with amplitudes higher than the combination trigger threshold and lower than the single trigger threshold, disable the single trigger function of all buttons and configure the first set button combination as the first gesture button; when there is only one button in the combination that generates a proximity sensing signal with an amplitude higher than the single trigger threshold, retain the single trigger function of all buttons in the first set button combination.

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device also includes: The button detection frequency switching unit is used to increase the detection frequency of all proximity-sensitive buttons in the first set button combination from the single-touch detection frequency to the combined detection frequency after configuring the first set button combination as the first gesture button; wherein, the single-touch detection frequency is the detection frequency when the proximity-sensitive button is configured as a single-trigger button.

8. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The device also includes: The button function association unit is used to detect the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button in the group within a first preset time window after configuring the first set button combination as the first gesture button; and to determine the control function of the first gesture button based on the change in the amplitude of the proximity sensing signals generated by each proximity sensing button.

9. The household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The button function association unit determines the control function of the first gesture button using the following steps: If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal remains unchanged within the first preset time window, it is determined that the first gesture button generates the first control function; If the amplitude of each proximity sensing signal gradually increases or decreases in a set order within the first preset time window, the first gesture button is determined to generate the second control function.

10. The household appliance according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that, The device also includes: The control unit is used to monitor whether there are any set button combinations configured as gesture buttons; if so, it sequentially concatenates multiple gesture buttons configured by multiple set button combinations into a single control button.

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